What are the local risks?

Environmental pollution

Photograph showing environmental pollution

All incidents that involve hazardous materials can present a significant risk to the environment, public and fire-fighter/responding agencies. Public dangers are exacerbated where people are unaware of the risk. Even though fire-fighters are highly trained and have the protective equipment to deal with most incidents, managing such an emergency safely and successfully still presents a challenge.

Even day-to-day products such as orange juice, milk, shampoos and cooking oils in bulk can be an environmental hazard. The effects of these may vary, but they may cause toxic, smothering, deoxygenating and choking effects to aquatic and plant life and can seriously affect the ecological system, upsetting the balance of nature over a wide area.

If you see any evidence of water pollution (or any other pollution), please report it to the Environment Agency Pollution Hotline on 0800 80 70 60.

Fly-tipping is unsightly and illegal. It can involve dangerous waste and be a source of pollution, which can contaminate land and water. Report any fly-tipping problems to your local borough or district council:

To learn more about local plans in place to respond to this hazard click here.

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